Hello everyone!
I couldn’t put this amazing weekend into just one post, so hang on for a Magical ride! We arrived in Orlando on Thursday morning of January 8th. We boarded the Magical Express and then we were Walt Disney World bound! It was 7 degrees when we left Birmingham so we were excited to be sun-kissed by the Florida sun. It was such a beautiful day…cold, but beautiful. And we’re off…
When we arrived to the Pop Century Resort, we were graciously greeted by the hotel staff. We were able to check-in early, even though I didn’t take advantage of early check-in. It actually worked out for us because the systems were down prior to our arrival. Thankfully, the system came back up not long after we approached the counter. Since we had a choice of which decade we wanted to stay in, you know what we chose: the 1980’s of course! 80’s baby in the houuussseee…well, hotel!
It was such a beautiful day! As the sun was setting, it created the perfect backdrop for snapshots of our retro residence for the next five days. I thought I’d share a mini tour around the resort! From floppy disks, Walkman, Rubik’s Cube, Roger Rabbit…to Pac Man! This resort was truly taking me back to circa 1980-1989.
THE EXPO!
The expo is always fun because there is every vendor you can imagine and then some. I also love the Speaker Series which included: Former Olympian and official runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Ambassador John Bingham, actor Sean Astin (Yes, from the Goonies!), Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, Diet Diva Tara Gidus…just to name a few! They also had really nice merch this year for all of the races! I was happy to snag an official runDisney commemorative marathon jacket along with some other cool items. If it’s going to be your first marathon, you gotta live it up! Speaking of living it up…also available were the 2015 commemorative runDisney Steamboat Willie New Balance shoes (available only at the runDisney expo). Last year I had anxiety trying to get my hands on a pair of Minnie’s, which I did — but this year I didn’t stress it as much. You’ll see why later. They are pretty sweet and you can read more about them here.
After we picked up our race bibs, race gear, and checked out the vendors, we decided to head back to grab a quick bite at our hotel. We were blessed with passes to Epcot so we debated whether to go Thursday evening or Friday. Our schedule was packed so we opted for Thursday evening. We wanted to do the bulk of our walking on Thursday since Hubby’s race was Saturday and my race on Sunday.
If you ever go to Disney for a Racecation, make sure you take time for rest. Most people will want to go to at least one park. For the Princess Half Marathon weekend (read that recap here), I had no idea what to expect. I do know I was excited and overwhelmed by all of the vendors. We ended up doing more walking than anticipated on both days at the expo. Before the marathon, I knew I needed to limit my walking. If you get your activities in early (or post race) your legs/feet won’t feel as tired. I know, it’s Disney and it may not always work out that way — but try to give yourself a day or two of complete rest before your race day. If you do walk, don’t forget compression socks and comfortable shoes!
Next up is Part II of my Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: Cigna Blogger Cook-off!
2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Recaps:
Part 1: Party at the Pop + Expo
Part 2: Cigna Blogger Cook-Off and Meet-up
Looks like you had a great time at the Expo! Can’t wait to read your race recap!
I did! Thank you, Des!!!
If I was ever going to be a runner I would definitely run a Disney marathon!! You are awesome girly!!
Thank you, Ricci!!!
I have never done a run at Disney, but I do love Disney World, maybe one of these days! I am excited to read the rest about your weekend.
Thank you, Paris! Disney races are my absolute favorite to run! The experience is unforgettable!
You go girl! I can’t wait to read part 2! I haven’t been to Disney is years. I can’t wait to take my kiddos in a couple of years. It looks like y’all had a great time. :)
It amazes me how much fun I have now as an adult!!! We had a blast! Thank you, Logan!
Sounds like such a fun trip. Disney know how to put magic into everything. Even marathons!
After the Princess Half Marathon weekend, I was sold on Disney races. Best race experience ever!
I was following along on your IG when you did the Disney Marathon. Looks like you had a lot of fun and I hope to attend one someday. Can kids join along too?
Kids can absolutely join in on the fun! It’s truly a weekend for the ENTIRE family! It’s so much fun! They even have kids races. It’s the cutest thing to watch…especially the toddlers. They even get finishers’ medals. You will truly have a blast and they have a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full (full-WDW Marathon weekend only) races to choose from. You should definitely visit http://www.rundisney.com all the events for the year. The only thing is…when registration opens, it sales out within the first few hours! It’s Disney!
Ahhhh an 80’s hotel??? I would have had a hard time between the 80’s and 90’s!!! How fun! Looks like you had an amazing time so far and I cant wait to hear the rest. I have never really gotten to experience Disney, I was down there in October for work but we didn’t get to go to the park. I need to take up running so that this could be by dream goal!
We were torn between 80’s and 90’s, but of course 80’s won! You will be amazed at the detail. The parks are so much fun! We plan to go back on a non-race weekend and enjoy all of them. Disney races are my favorite races to run. Truly a magical experience!
Hands down this was the best race I’ve ever ran! Can’t wait to read more about your first marathon!!
Thank you, Christi! This will definitely go down in the history books as my Forever Favorite race! Not to mention I got to meet so many awesome new bloggers and friends!
Gosh! This looks like so much fun. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run at Disney?!
Thank you, Chene! It’s such a fun experience from beginning to end!